Friday, January 28, 2011

Today, Veronica's Tales is delighted to welcome Aubrey Griffen, star of Kiki Howell's historic-paranormal romance to the roster of interesting and intriguing romantic suspense characters who will continue to visit us during the All Romantic Suspense Blog Tour.

Take it away, Aubrey.

What is Torn Asunder about? I dare say, much. Fraught with explicit intimacy, romantic spells and mystical shapeshifting, Torn Asunder is a unique blending of the age of manners with sexual magic.

What did you think the first time you saw Edmund Bryant? The idea of love at first sight came to mind, and with that, I fear, my ability for rational thinking gave way.

What was your second thought? I wanted to flee the room when I looked into his dark eyes. It was more like a premonition, I think. His eyes were so haunted and hungry that I feared I would become his prey.

What do you like most about Edmund? I don’t know if I could say, there was just a connection made. My heart beat at a frantic, uneven pace like a horse racing over shoddy roads.

How would you describe him? He had fine manners and a tempestuous form. He was an odd mix of refined and rugged.

How would he describe you? I remember it like it was yesterday. He said he was caught by my beauty from across the room and could not wait his turn in meeting me.

What made you choose to come to London? I came to live with my cousins under the guise of being immersed into proper society. Yet, the real reason was to study magic with Lord and Lady Sanderly. We are descendants of the notorious Pendle witches.

What is your biggest fear? Being caught as a witch. The witch hunts in England didn’t end all that long ago. I would not want to give rise to them again.

How do you relax? I am truly a bluestocking lady. Though I use it as a guise for my studies of magic, I do love to read a good book. I read anything from Hester Chapone’s “Letters on the Improvement of the Mind” to Mary Shelley’s “Love of Poets.”

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? To believe in myself and my skills. I would never use my gifts for harm as some who practice black magic do.

A question for Kiki while she's here with us: What books or movies have had an impact on your writing?

I write paranormal romances, so I guess I would have to say that some of my favorites had an impact, or were inspiration to write my own. The novel in particular, with the mix of a Regency-set historical and a para-normal romance, although it was vampires rather than witches, Teresa Medeiros Cabot sisters series, “After Midnight” and “The Vampire Who Loved Me” had me engrossed. I just had to try my hand at combining the genres.

Torn Asunder

Blurb: Aubrey Griffen is a witch whose true reasons for coming to London soon fall to the wayside when she catches the eye of Edmund Bryant, the Marquess of Dalysbury. He seduces her into a whirlwind romance until the lies and threats of his mother force her to flee to Triaill Brimuir, a secret island of her ancestors off the coast of Ireland. Edmund goes after her only to be hit by Aubrey’s confusion and anger when she magically transforms him into an elemental beast of her own creation.

However, it is when Edmund’s lust mysteriously turns him back into a man that the couple are forced to deal with a family secret and untold of powers. Now, Edmund must learn to shift himself into the beast in order to save her in a battle of black verses white magic.

Fraught with scenes of explicit intimacy, romantic spells and mystical shapeshifting, Torn Asunder is a unique blending of the age of manners with sexual magic.

Kiki Howell I feel has a major hit on her hands with Torn Asunder. I was so glued to this book that I was up til 4AM reading it, and mind you, I had to be up at 7AM to see my kiddies off to school....lol. I was just so captivated by the story of Aubrey and her love Edmund. They are drawn together by an unseen force that unites this couple body and soul. You would think that would be a good book to read but lets add witches, shapeshifting, white and black magic, a despicable mother, and a malevolent father to the mix. That is the story I had the very great pleasure of reading. It seemed at every turn our fated couple had more than there fair share of obstacles to over come…In between all the chaos our couple must endure is the most breath taking love story. Think Romeo and Juliet without them both dying at the end....lol. Their hearts and minds are linked for all time by an unforeseen connection that real couples only dream of. After reading this story you truly believe in soul mates and that love conquers all. On a scale of 1-10 I give this book a 10 and encourage everyone 18 and over to get a copy of this book and fall under Aubrey and Emund's spell. It is so worth the ride.

~5 out of 5 Stars, Review by Raquel Vega-Grieder for Sinfully Tasty Reads

“Torn Asunder is what a Regency novel should be. Prior to this book, I have never had a historical romance keep my interest for more than a chapter or two. Kiki Howell has written a historical novel that sings. In Torn Asunder, Ms. Howell carefully spices her text with appropriate language, but does not go overboard. She lets the language flavor the story, instead of overpowering it. Her love for the time period is reflected in every part of the story, from the vivid characters to the clear imagery of her settings. I give Torn Asunder five of five hearts.” ~D. Alexx Miller, Book Reviewer for Romance in the Backseat

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Veronica’s Tales is delighted to have author Jerri Drennen with us today as part of the All Romantic Suspense blog tour. She brought along heroine Madeleine Wentworth who will tell us about "Untouched" and hero Travis Kane.

What is UNTOUCHED about? Two people discovering what's important in the Amazon jungle.

What did you think the first time you saw Travis? That he had beautiful eyes.

What was your second thought? He intrigued me.

Did you think it was love at first sight? No. I wasn't open to love at the time.

What do you like most about Travis? That he makes me feel safe.

How would you describe him? Tall, dark and he carried a big knife.

How would he describe you? Nerdy and leggy.

What made you choose Botany as a profession? I love nature.

What is your biggest fear? Living my life without Travis.

How do you relax? I love to watch Television.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? To think big.

This next question is for Jerri:

What books or movies have had an impact on your writing? Any suspense that keeps me guessing until the end.

And now, a little bit about . . .

Untouched

Botanist Madeline Wentworth is relieved to be heading into the Amazon, far from the university and the vicious rumors circulating about her failed love affair. But on arriving in Peru, her team finds their guide dead with a small puncture wound to his neck. Waiting to replace him is Travis Kane, Amazon guide, treasure hunter, and superhunk. Mattie is instantly attracted but uncomfortably suspicious. When a member of her team falls ill and a similar puncture wound is found on his body, her suspicions deepen.

Travis has stuck with being a jungle guide for over ten years despite a run of unsavory clients. The rain forest is full of hidden ruins and undiscovered treasure, and he’s determined to find his share. But when his grandfather dies, leaving a letter boasting of Templar gold, he’s sure it's nothing more than an old man’s delusion. Everything changes when he finds his grandfather’s map. With high hopes, he leads Mattie’s team into the rain forest and finds himself overwhelmed by the beautiful blonde. When the group is attacked and has to fight its way out of the jungle, Travis discovers something more precious than gold--the love of a woman who’s made him want to be a better man.

Excerpt

“Dr. Wentworth?” a deep, compelling voice asked.Mattie looked up. “Yes,” was all she could muster, spellbound by the pair of striking, brandy-colored eyes of a tall, well-built man standing before her.She swallowed to clear her throat.“I was told that you might need a guide.” He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a folded slip of paper. “Here are my credentials. I’ve been a wilderness guide for over ten years, and I know the area.”Uncharacteristically, Mattie found herself tongue-tied. She had never seen such a gorgeous man in her life. His hair was a rich chocolate brown, cut short on the sides, slightly longer on top. His nose was straight and his features were perfectly proportioned. His lips were strong, firm, and the color of deep Mediterranean coral. From the stubble on his chin, it looked as if he hadn’t shaven in a few days. The effect gave him a rugged, outdoorsy appeal. The only thing less than perfect on the man was a thin, white scar running from his nose to his lip. She wondered how he’d gotten it. An occupational hazard perhaps?To fight the urge to sigh, she unfolded the paper and studied his certifications. The résumé was impressive if it was on the up-and-up. “You know this area well then, Mr., ah...” She scanned the sheet of paper, then returned her attention to him. “Kane.”He nodded.His eyes mesmerized Mattie. She blinked and hauled her mind back on track. “Do you think you could be ready to leave later this afternoon? We want to get started right away cataloging plants. We’ve been prepared since we arrived four days ago. The guide we’d originally commissioned died the day we landed in Manu.”His arched brows drew together. “I’d need to get my own supplies rounded up, but I could probably be ready by then. Could you tell me the name of the guide who died?”“Yes, he was a local man. Chaz Juntas.”Pain crossed his features.“You knew him?”“Yes. He was a good man. We’d gone into the Amazon a number of times together.”“I’m sorry.” Mattie looked down at her cup, noting her shaky hands. Was it the reaction to Travis Kane or was the dream still working on her nerves?“Have you rented trucks for the trip yet?” His question had her glancing back at him. “If not, I could see what I can do. How many are in your party?”“Six altogether. Two men and four women.”His eyes narrowed. “Four women?”“Yes. Is that a problem?” Was the guy a chauvinist?He inhaled, then shook his head. “No, no problem. What about the trucks? Have you got them lined up then?”“Yes. The supplies are already loaded too. Chaz had arranged it all before we’d arrived.”“Where are they now?”“At the edge of town. The authorities have been keeping an eye on them to make sure nothing is stolen.”“I’ll meet you there around two o’clock. Be ready to move out immediately. I want to get a few hours’ travel in before we need to set up camp.”“We’ll be ready, Mr. Kane.”He turned and walked away.Mattie sighed.Had she been too quick to hire him? Had the man’s qualifications won her over or did his looks and physique have her practically begging him to guide them? She wasn’t sure--and even if she were, she didn’t care. They had a sober guide who didn't give her the creeps and that was all that mattered right now.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

When it rains around here, it seems to pour.
When Mallory Kane, a new blogger, read Those Who Wait made it to the Predators & Editors Poll, she contacted us and asked Keenan to 'baptize' her new blog: Wild Woman Kane.
He took a few minutes and went to visit early this morning, with his usual charm, of course.
It's the same interview as below.

Mal, who is in the process of lining up Class of '85 authors from the Wild Rose Press stable to visit her blog as well, can be found at: www.WildWomanKane.blogspot.com.
Slainte
Veronica

Saturday, January 15, 2011

For a change of pace, and to offer myself time to play with the pages and make them easier to read, Keenan Rossi, hero of Those Who Wait, consented to be interviewed by moi. Here we go . . .

Those Who Wait: A cop and a bleeding heart liberal. The two main ingredients for a fatal attraction soufflé with the chances of falling as fast as a Popsicle melts in Hades. Or does it? Always the first in line to tilt windmills, Investigator Keenan Rossi is determined to make his marriage to victim advocate Meghan Muldoon work. He's waited a long time for someone like her to come into his life; but can he avoid old behaviors when the going gets rough?

Where were you the first time you saw Meghan Muldoon? It was at a monthly crime stats meeting, maybe a couple days before Christmas. No one was in the mood to talk homicides, rape and other physical assaults, domestic violence calls, or robberies. Most of the brass were off spreading their usual Yule cheer so they sent replacements. A few of us regulars figured the tall, stacked red-head was the new kid on the block at the DA's office, sent here to get her feet wet. The lounge lizards among the regulars went on the prowl—per usual when a hot woman is within striking distance. Each one returned to the table holding their gonads in their hands.

Then she introduces herself as Meg Muldoon, new Director of Crime Victim Services, and I about dropped my teeth. She looked nothing like the usual bleeding heart liberal we're used to in this part of Upstate New York. You know the type: shapeless dress, heavy wool socks with Birkenstocks, flowers in her hair, singing Kumbaya. No sir. This one was wearing a snazzy red blouse and black suit with a skirt that made her legs look about ten feet long.

She stayed real quiet during the meeting—winning major points in my book--but when she opened her mouth I gotta tell you every guy in the place sat up and took notice. She asked all the right questions and didn't take the usual cop BS for gospel.

What was your first thought? Once the buzzing stopped in my ears and I rolled my tongue back into my mouth, I thought, 'Here's the woman my mama warned me about'.

What happened then? It is not a smart move, entertaining ideas of hooking up with her—I mean, a cop and a victim advocate? I'd been around the block a time or three with relationships, divorced twice, widowed once, but I couldn't get her laugh out of my head. It makes my teeth itch. I caught a rape call on New Year's Eve; Meg was the advocate who responded to the ER to work with the vic. That's where it started between us. What she said to the vic; how she helped her relax and respond to our questions—it made a big difference and we were able to clear a number of assaults in this end of the county.

What do you two do for fun and relaxation? I like to cook; she likes to watch. She loves to garden and planted an herb garden for me this year. I use what she grew in my recipes.I like watching television; she likes to read.

What is your favorite TV show? The Closer. I tape each show to watch in reruns if I miss the original airing. It's good at showing the drudgery of police work—and the endless litany of internal politics. Man, I hate internal politics. Just let me do my job and leave me the hell alone.Then there's Flynn and Provenza. Do you know how many of us on The Job would like to react like they do? Say the same things they say—and not get our butts in a sling?

Have your professional lives been impacted by your personal relationship? For me, it is the opposite. Meghan has taught me to look at all sides of an issue and not jump to the easiest, fastest solution. Women bring an interesting set of ideas and values to the victimization process so it's important for me to remember they don't react the same as men.

What was the best advice you ever received? My dad told me this the day I married for the first time. It didn't hit home till I met and later fell in love with Meg. “Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So . . . if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any human being can handle.”

Thursday, January 13, 2011

I am so pleased to begin the All Romantic Suspense Tour with a visit from author Elaina Lee who will tell us a bit about her and her latest release.

Take it away, Elaina!

1. Elaina, please tell us about Written in Blood. Written in Blood is a romantic suspense set in Portland, Oregon. My heroine, Lyndi, is a defense attorney representing a suspected serial killer. My hero, Alek, is the lead investigator for the district attorney's office investigating my heroine's client. When a cult begins to terrorize Lyndi, she discovers Alek is the only who can help her. The sparks begin to fly, as do the risks. If they're caught together, they could lose everything they both worked so hard for…

2. What did you think the first time you saw the hero/heroine?For my hero, it was whether he was a hero at all, LOL! Alek is very dark and his hero qualities are a bit, lacking. Luckily my heroine is feisty enough to deal with his more sinister side *wink*.

3. What was your second thought?He is going to be awesome to write!

4. Did you think it was love at first sight?For my character? A hot man who takes your breath away the second he walks into your virtual room. What's there not to love?

5. What do you like most about the h or h?His ability to immediately take charge of a situation.

6. How would you describe him/her?Definitely a dominant person. Can be patient when there's a need, but has a rather quick fuse. Knows what he wants and always finds a way to get it.

7. How would she/he describe you?Ahahahaha! Boring, mousy… not his type, LOL!

8. What made you choose lead investigator for the DAas a career?I needed an element of uncertaintly and I love working with the forbidden. Since Lyndi is a defense attorney, their relationship would be completely off limits.

9. What is your biggest fear?A serious fear? Losing one of my children. Oh my gosh, I could never imagine. And yet parents suffer through this horror daily. *grabs her baby and holds him tight*

10. How do you relax?I watch a good TV series. My last one was Pushing Daisies. I'm currently watching Leverage.

11. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?Listen to your gut when it comes to edits. If they make sense and you can see how they make your story stronger, then do them. If they butcher your work, make it confusing and don’t add anything, then fight for your voice. 

12. What books or movies have had an impact on your writing?Queen of the Damned, I get so inspired when I watch that movie! Never fails.  Otherwise my ideas usually pop up when I'm watching something Real Life on the educational channels.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Within the past few days an exciting opportunity dropped in my lap: the chance to meet and visit 17 different blog sites [and run my mouth--my second favorite thing to do in the whole world] and host 17 authors on Veronica's Tales.
I could not say no.

So . . . if you're interested in meeting new [to you] authors and the favorite character they've created, come join me every Friday from January 15th when contemporary author Elaina Lee comes for a visit through the week of June 6, 2011.